'Fifa is behind you' - Blatter backs Brazil

The 76-year-old has praised the South American nation for their cultural and economic development as they prepare to host the Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has backed Brazil to deliver when the country plays host to the Confederations Cup in 2013.

The South American nation will welcome the likes of Spain, Uruguay and Italy to their shores for the eight-team tournament next June, with many regarding the event as a dry-run for the World Cup finals the following summer.

Despite recent criticism of their efforts to be ready for the showpiece event in 2014, Blatter is confident that Brazil will prove to be excellent hosts of both competitions, and praised the development within the nation's infrastructure since the last time they hosted the tournament in 1950.

Speaking at the draw for the Confederations Cup group stage, Blatter told reporters: "A lot has changed in this country since 1950.

"Now, Brazil has developed - not only in their culture but also in their economy. We are very happy to be in a country which is the sixth economy in the world. It is a question of trust and confidence."

The Swiss football chief then assured Brazil president Dilma Rousseff that "Fifa is behind you", adding: "I am sure you will deliver a wonderful competition - the Confederations Cup first, for the game, for the world, for Brazil."